Country superstar Blake Shelton is well known for his chart-topping hits and charismatic television presence, but a resurfaced performance highlights the musical roots he shares with his mother, Dorothy Shackleford. During his holiday television special, Blake Shelton’s Not-So-Family Christmas, the singer created an unforgettable moment by inviting his mother onto the stage to perform a duet of “Time for Me to Come Home,” a track the pair co-wrote.
The song, which appeared on Shelton’s 2013 holiday album Cheers, It’s Christmas, holds deep personal significance for the family. Shelton introduced the performance by explaining the core sentiment behind the lyrics, stating, “It’s actually a song about how it’s not Christmas unless you’re with your mama.” He jokingly added a practical reason for his affection, noting, “She buys me cool stuff.”
The collaboration extended far beyond a single stage performance. The song’s narrative and emotional weight inspired Shackleford to expand the concept into a novel. She teamed up with author Travis Thrasher to write a book based on the track, which subsequently sparked a massive media franchise.
The story was adapted by Hallmark Movies & Mysteries into a successful film series. The franchise began with Time for Me to Come Home for Christmas and has since spawned multiple sequels, including Time for You to Come Home for Christmas and the 2023 installment, Time for Her to Come Home for Christmas. Each entry in the series centers on themes of homecoming and connection, mirroring the original message of the song Shelton and Shackleford crafted together.
While the special featured high-profile guest appearances from stars like Kelly Clarkson, Reba McEntire, and Christina Aguilera, the quiet, acoustic moment between Shelton and his mother remains a standout. It offered fans a rare glimpse into the “God’s Country” singer’s family dynamic and confirmed that his storytelling ability is a trait inherited directly from his mother.
